Although Oklahoma is not necessarily known for their public transportation routes, Oklahoma City and Tulsa have partnered together to construct a passenger train route for commuters between the cities.
Iowa Pacific Holdings, a railroad company that focuses on small feeder railroads, has planned a six-month trial run for the two major cities and surrounding towns. The eventual plan is to connect both the downtowns of both cities.
Financial Counselor Paula Leaman said public transportation might ease the cost of commuting to work for many.
Commuters from Tulsa and Oklahoma City use the I-44 Turner Turnpike that costs $8 round trip for the toll.
Many major cities across the world have intricate public transportation systems that promote growth and travel throughout the country.
Oklahoma Christian University sophomore Tori Puellman said she was not prepared for the public transportation system in Vienna when she traveled abroad last semester.
“Then I go to Europe and I realize how integrated [public transportation is] into all parts of Europeans’ lives,” Puellman said. “And every city you visit, even in small towns, they have bus systems.”
Puellman said she had to learn the public transit schedules.
“They are very prompt,” Puellman said. “In Vienna, the transportation systems are so clean and fast. If you are not there the second that the train is supposed to be at the station, then you won’t make it.”
In cities where public transit is common, the services are utilized by people of all ages and social status, according to Puellman.
“Everybody rides the U-bahn…” Puellman said. “In America, if you have to take public transportation [then] there is a stigma [that] you do not have enough money, and I also think people look down upon it.”
Despite concerns, Leaman said she enjoys the possibility of using the public train to visit new places.
“My husband and I would probably take the passenger train and explore different places in Oklahoma just for fun,” Leaman said.
City councilmen plan to have the passenger train up and running by May 2015. Tickets will start at a base price of $20. The train service will have food and beverage options and wireless internet service for travelers.
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